Help Olivia raise money

I’d like to share my very own story of hope

I am a mother of five, a graduate with Presidential Honours in Addiction Support, 

and today I work full-time at the Family Central. 

I am also in long-term recovery, with almost 15 years of sobriety.

But I didn’t get here easily.

I grew up in chaos—abuse, neglect, 

and a childhood that left me desperate for love and belonging. 

At 20, after giving birth to my first daughter, I was introduced to pills. Very quickly, I spiraled into full-blown addiction.

 Within a year, I lost custody of my child, became homeless, and even spent time in jail.

My addiction led me through darkness I could never have imagined—

violence, trauma, rape, human trafficking  

even moments where I didn’t think I would survive.

 I lived on the streets, abandoned, consumed by drugs. 

For years, I believed I was worthless.

But God wasn’t done with me. 

He placed “building blocks” in my path—people who believed in me,

 second chances I didn’t deserve,

 and one powerful moment: 

a letter from my daughter that broke my heart wide open.

 Slowly, I began to see that my past didn’t have to define me.

Addiction is often seen as a moral failing, but it is not. It is a disease—

one that destroys lives across every age, race, and income level.

 This year alone, more than 60,000 Canadians will die from overdose. 

And yet, only 1 in 10 people who need help will ever get treatment. 

Why? Because of shame, stigma, and judgment.

But here’s the truth: 

we are not our past. Addiction is a life lesson, not a life sentence.

I am living proof that recovery is possible.

In 2020, I found the Family Central, and for the first time, I felt truly accepted.

 In 2022, I was baptized and gave my life to Jesus Christ. 

Since then, I’ve discovered peace, purpose, and a calling to help others find hope.

I now stand before you not as the addict I once was, 

but as a wife, 

a mother, a counselor-in-training, 

and a woman on fire for God’s grace.

I want to leave you with this: 

behind every person struggling with addiction is a human being worthy of compassion. 

Sometimes, all they need is that first building block—someone to believe in them.

Mark 5   34 says: “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

My faith has healed me. And now, I pray I can be a voice for others still in the dark.

Thank you.